Orbery Ray

Lingle

Orbery Ray "Orb" Lingle, age 83, of Criner, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

Orb was born November 7, 1940, in Bridge Creek, Oklahoma, a son of Pearl and Attis Lingle. He was raised on the family farm alongside siblings, Vearl, Margie, Billy Joe, Dearl, and Armetta. He attended school in Tuttle where he was an athlete playing football, basketball, and track. Orb graduated with the Tuttle High School class of 1957.

Orb farmed locally for Nolan Trammel, John Paxton, and on the dairy farm for Leroy Pierce. He managed the 550-acre, Jo-Mae Ranch, including eight ponds, two water sheds, herd of cattle, and raised alfalfa for 43 years. The latest ranch owners he worked for were Dana and Tom Hartley.

Orb joined the United States Army in 1963. He served in the Korean conflict where he worked as the chief supply officer. Orb earned his pilot wings in Fort Rucker, Alabama and was proud to fly Bob Hope and Anne Margaret on a USO Tour in Korea. He always said how "purdy" she was. After active duty, he was one of two Oklahomans qualified to train pilots at the Lexington, Oklahoma Army Reserve Center.

Orb met Judy Landers later in life and the two married Friday, December 13, 1991, in Criner Oklahoma. They enjoyed working together on the ranch, shopping, and spending quality time. Music was always at the core of their relationship.

Orb enjoyed fishing, driving his tractor, ranching, and watching Oklahoma City Thunder basketball with his wife, Judy. He was a man of faith who loved the Lord and enjoyed attending church at Iron Chapel Free Will Baptist Church.

Orb's father taught him to play the guitar and he continued playing all his life. Music was a lifelong passion passed down from generations. It was a tradition for family to gather on Friday nights and make music together, including his nephew Jeff, sister Armetta, brother Vearl, and cousins Jan and Don Polson. Dearl and Isabelle, Bill and Timmie, were also frequently present.

Friends and family meant the world to Orb. His good friend Jaunita Clark loved to cook for Orb and was considered family. Tawnya and Trey Reed, with their sons Colby and Caleb, were friends from church. Their boys considered them grandparents and Orb taught Trey and Caleb to play guitar. He loved and thought of Jason Wilkinson as a son. Jason remembers always getting a Hot Wheel when he would visit Grandma Pearl with Orb. Grandson Judd Wilkinson remembers waking up early at Grandpa Orb's to feed catfish and drink coffee. His youngest grandson, Colt Orbery, was the namesake of his grandpa.

Special friends Suzie and Jerry Rowel, and Shirley and J.W. Fish enjoyed going out to eat and making music together.

Orb's nephew, Jeff Lingle and his wife, Theresa, were devoted caregivers of Orb and took care of his cattle when he needed them most.

Before he passed, those who were present sang songs while Orb was still alert. His last words were, "Thanks…Sing".

His wife, Judy, and niece, Rita, were by his side while he passed peacefully from this Earth and entered Heaven's gates.

Orb is survived by his wife of 32 years, Judy Lingle; brother Bill Lingle and his wife, Timmie; brother Dearl Lingle and his wife, Isabelle; sister, Armetta Jackson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Orb is preceded in death by his parents Pearl and Attis Lingle; brother Vearl Lingle; and sister Margie Henson-Bird.